nonwovens as medical textile

1. Development of FirefighterDevelopment of Firefighter
Uniform Prototypes UsingUniform Prototypes Using
Innovative NonwovensInnovative Nonwovens
Mary M. WarnockMary M. Warnock
andand
Laurie M. AppleLaurie M. Apple

2. Firefighter Uniforms Must:Firefighter Uniforms Must:
• Be functional
• Allow tasks to be performed
– Fire
– Chemical/biological agents
• Protect against toxic substance
exposure
• Allow quick and efficient movements

3. Ergonomic Test ProtocolErgonomic Test Protocol
• Assessed
– Functional
characteristics
– Fit
– Comfort
• Divisions
– Anthropometric
– Range of motion
– Generic
dynamics
– Job-specific
dynamics
– Manual tasks
– Donning

4. Experimental FabricsExperimental Fabrics
• 100% cotton needlepunched nonwoven
with carbon filler
• 100% cotton print cloth treated with
epoxy bis-phosphonate monomer,
cyanoguanidine and citric acid
• Twaron woven fabric with ripstop
weave
• Nomex III A moisture barrier
• Silicone rubber sheeting

5. Construction ParametersConstruction Parameters
• Flat-pattern methodology
• Juki industrial sewing machine
– 12 stitches/inch
• Cotton wrapped polyester thread
• Machine quilting
– Needlepunched nonwoven and print
cloth
– For thermal barrier

6. Jacket 1Jacket 1
Current Jacket Design
Front
Back

7. Jacket 2Jacket 2
Current Jacket Design
Front
Back

8. Needlepunched CarbonNeedlepunched Carbon
Filled Nonwoven FabricFilled Nonwoven Fabric
Plain
Quilted

9. Cross-Section SampleCross-Section Sample

10. Sleeve PrototypeSleeve Prototype
Sleeve
Jacket/Sleeve Insertion

11. ConclusionsConclusions
• Lightweight, body-hugging protective
clothing can be constructed giving
maximum protection to the wearer.
• Closure issue addressed for ease of
donning and doffing the uniform.
• Better mobility due to breathing
apparatus being located in an enclosed
back pouch.
• Radio easily accessed on the jacket
sleeve.

12. AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements
• Dr. William (Bill) Springer, Industrial
Engineering, University of Arkansas,
Fayetteville
• W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
• Dr. Seshadri Ramkumar, Institute of
Environmental and Human Health,
Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
• Dr. Navzer Sachinvala, SSRC-USDA-
ARS, New Orleans, LA

13. Thank You!!Thank You!!